A police officer was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle, the afternoon of September 6, 2010. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury collision occurred in the 6100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. The officer was rear-ended and thrown off his motorcycle. He sustained injuries, which were apparently not life-threatening. The driver of the car stopped at the accident site and no citations were issued pending an official investigation.


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I am relieved to hear that the Los Angeles police officer was not seriously hurt in this motorcycle accident. My thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers from his injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 42 fatalities and 1,289 injuries involving Los Angeles motorcycle accidents in 2008. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Rear-End Collision

Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers following too closely behind another vehicle, or by distracted drivers. California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway." California Vehicle Code Section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."

Claim for Compensation

I trust officials are looking into whether the motorist who rear-ended the officer was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time. In this case, since the officer was on-the-job, he will be entitled to worker's compensation benefits to cover medical costs and loss of earnings. However, he can also file a claim against the at-fault driver seeking damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

In your opinion, what are some of the biggest hazards faced by motorcyclists today?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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